Methimez 10 Mg Tablet (30 Tab)

Methimez 10 mg Tablet, manufactured by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD., is an anti-thyroid medication primarily used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition characterized by an overactive thyroid gland.

Name

• Brand Name: Methimez 10 mg Tablet
• Common Name: Methimazole

Composition

Each tablet contains 10 mg of Methimazole, which belongs to the class of anti-thyroid agents.

Uses

Methimez 10 mg Tablet is prescribed for the following conditions:

• Hyperthyroidism: It works by reducing the excessive production of thyroid hormones (thyroxine) from the thyroid gland, helping to restore normal metabolism and alleviate symptoms like rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, sweating, tremors, and heat intolerance.
• Graves' Disease: An autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism.
• Preparation for Thyroid Surgery or Radioactive Iodine Treatment: It is used to manage hyperthyroidism symptoms before these procedures.
• Toxic Multinodular Goiter: In cases where surgery or radioactive iodine therapy may not be suitable.

Dosage and Administration

Methimez 10 mg Tablet is taken orally, usually in divided doses at approximately 8-hour intervals, or as advised by a doctor. It can be taken with or without food. The dosage is determined by the physician based on the patient's medical condition, age, and body weight. For adults with mild hyperthyroidism, the initial daily dosage might be 15 mg, for moderately severe 30-40 mg, and for severe 60 mg, divided into three doses. The maintenance dose is typically 5 to 15 mg daily. For children, the initial daily dosage is 0.4 mg/kg of body weight divided into three doses, with a maintenance dose of approximately half the initial dose. It's crucial not to stop the medication without consulting a doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Headache
• Stomach upset, nausea, vomiting
• Mild skin rash or itching
• Hair loss
• Loss of taste or altered taste sensation
• Joint pain or stiffness, muscle pain
• Drowsiness, dizziness, or vertigo
• Numbness or tingling sensations (paresthesia)

Serious side effects, though rare, can include agranulocytosis (a severe decrease in white blood cell count), liver problems (e.g., abdominal pain, yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine), and severe allergic reactions. Patients should immediately report symptoms like fever, sore throat, unexplained bruising or bleeding, or signs of liver damage to their doctor.

Precautions

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Methimez 10 mg Tablet is generally not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. It passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding women should consult their doctor.
• Pre-existing Conditions: Inform your doctor if you have liver, kidney, or heart diseases, blood disorders (like a history of reduced white blood cell count or bleeding disorders), or a large goiter.
• Blood Monitoring: Regular monitoring of thyroid function (TSH and T4 levels) and blood cell counts is necessary during treatment. Prothrombin time should be monitored, especially before surgery, due to the risk of hypoprothrombinemia and bleeding.
• Alcohol Consumption: Limit or avoid alcohol during treatment as it may increase the risk of liver damage.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, or herbal products being taken, especially blood thinners like warfarin, theophylline, digitalis, and certain blood pressure medicines.

Storage

Store Methimez 10 mg Tablet below 30°C. Keep it in a tightly closed container and protect it from light and moisture. Keep out of sight and reach of children.

Here are frequently asked questions about METHIMEZ 10 MG TABLET (Methimazole):

What is METHIMEZ 10 MG TABLET used for?

METHIMEZ 10 MG TABLET is primarily used to treat hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones. This includes conditions like Graves' disease and toxic multinodular goitre. It is also used to prepare patients for thyroid surgery or radioactive iodine treatment by lowering thyroid hormone levels.

How does Methimez 10 mg work?

METHIMEZ 10 MG TABLET contains Methimazole, which belongs to a class of drugs called anti-thyroid agents. It works by inhibiting an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase (TPO) in the thyroid gland. This enzyme is crucial for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), so by blocking it, Methimez reduces the excessive production of these hormones, thereby managing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

What is the usual dosage for Methimez 10 mg?

The dosage of Methimez 10 mg is determined by your doctor based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For hyperthyroidism, initial daily dosages can range from 15 mg for mild cases to 60 mg for severe cases, typically divided into three doses approximately every 8 hours. The maintenance dosage is usually between 5 mg and 15 mg daily. For Graves' disease, a common dosage is 10 to 20 mg once daily until thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels return to normal. Children's doses are weight-based and should not exceed 30 mg per day. It can be taken with or without food, but it is important to take it consistently at the same time each day.

What are the possible side effects of Methimez 10 mg?

Common side effects may include headache, stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, mild skin rash or itching, joint pain, muscle pain, dizziness, drowsiness, hair loss, and loss of taste. More serious, but rare, side effects can include agranulocytosis (a severe drop in white blood cell count), liver problems (such as jaundice, dark urine, or abdominal pain), severe allergic reactions, and vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels). You should immediately contact your doctor if you experience a sore throat, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or unusual bleeding or bruising.

Is Methimez 10 mg safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: METHIMEZ 10 MG TABLET is generally not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy as it can cause harm to the unborn baby, including congenital malformations like aplasia cutis, choanal atresia, and esophageal atresia. Propylthiouracil (PTU) may be preferred during the first trimester. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, consult your doctor immediately as untreated hyperthyroidism also poses risks, and your medication plan may need adjustment. Breastfeeding: Methimazole passes into breast milk. However, studies have shown that maternal doses up to 20 mg per day typically do not affect the thyroid function or intellectual development of breastfed infants. To minimize infant exposure, it may be advised to wait 3 to 4 hours after taking your dose before breastfeeding. Always discuss breastfeeding with your healthcare provider.

Can Methimez 10 mg be taken with other medications?

Methimez 10 mg can interact with certain other medications. It may increase the effects of blood thinners like warfarin, requiring close monitoring of clotting time. It can also interact with medications for heart conditions or high blood pressure, such as beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) and digoxin, as well as theophylline, used for respiratory disorders. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal supplements you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

What precautions should be taken while taking Methimez 10 mg?

It is crucial to have regular blood tests to monitor your thyroid hormone levels and white blood cell count. Immediately report any signs of infection (like sore throat or fever), liver problems (abdominal pain, yellowing of skin/eyes), or unusual bleeding/bruising to your doctor. Use caution if you have pre-existing liver, kidney, or heart diseases, or blood disorders. This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Do not stop taking Methimez suddenly without your doctor's advice, as this can cause your hyperthyroidism symptoms to return or worsen. Inform any healthcare professional, including dentists, about your Methimez use before any procedures.

What happens if a dose of Methimez 10 mg is missed?

If you miss a dose of Methimez 10 mg, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should Methimez 10 mg be stored?

METHIMEZ 10 MG TABLET should be stored at room temperature, typically between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F), in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Keep the medicine away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light. It is important to keep this and all medications out of the sight and reach of children. It should not be stored in refrigerated conditions.